Tennessee State Attractions

Nestled right along the majestic Smoky Mountains and stretching east toward the equally impressive Mississippi River, Tennessee is a state full of wonder, history and natural beauty. A trip here is a trip through history, from Davy Crockett and Elvis Presley to the birthplace of the first alphabet for an Indian language. With three distinct regions, any outdoor enthusiast will find plenty of Tennessee attractions to make a trip down South even more memorable.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Any visit to Tennessee would be incomplete without stopping to soak in the magnificent beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled securely between Tennessee and North Carolina, the best place to visit the park is through Tennessee tourist mecca Gatlinburg. The park itself offers many activities, such as horseback riding on one of over 550 miles of horseback trails. With five horse camps throughout the park, you can even bring your own horse. On the other hand, rent a horse and take a guided tour through the park or enjoy a carriage ride through the rolling waves of trees. Cost is usually between $15 and $25 per hour. There are several local hotels or log cabins to rent during your stay.

Ruby Falls

Down in Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is one Tennessee attraction you do not want to miss. This massive, 145-foot underground waterfall, located under Civil War site Lookout Mountain, has been a family favorite for over 75 years. The falls were discovered in 1923; the cave where it dwells has a long history of Native American involvement, as a hideout for outlaws and Civil War soldiers, and as a source of constant wonder. The falls lie 160 feet under Lookout Mountain and the Lookout Mountain Cave has been explored for 12 miles without an end being found. A visit to the caves lets you take a tour through the speleothems, or cave formations. You can view stalactites, stalagmites and capillary tubes as well as a plethora of cave life: cavefish, crawfish, bats and salamanders. There are four hotels available nearby for your stay. Ruby Falls1720 Scenic HighwayChattanooga, TN 37409-1163(423) 821-2544 Rubyfalls.com

Shelby Farms Park

Memphis is best known as the home of Elvis Presley. However, it is also where you can find Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, a 4,500-acre haven of wildlife and fun. What started as a penal farm in the 1920s is now home to over 20 bodies of water, in addition to a herd of buffalo, horse stables, paddle boats and a dog park. One of the best things to do here is to go on a hayride. The park offers hayrides starting in the fall. Ride in the trailer with the hay and watch the park roll by as the sun sets and the leaves change color. Shelby Farms Park Conservancy 500 North Pine Lake DriveMemphis, TN 38134(901) 767-PARK Shelbyfarmspark.org

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Article Written By Travis Taylor

Travis Taylor has been a professional writer for the better part of the last 10 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and journalism. He has been published in "Victorian Homes" magazine and "TUSK Magazine" and was once a photo researcher at "Parade Magazine."

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